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Spectacular South Africa

South Africa's cosmopolitan cities, posh resorts, expansive desert, magnificent wildlife and fertile wine country combine with a harmonious mix of many cultures to create a beautiful mosaic to discover on this fascinating tour. Ponder history during a visit to the Apartheid Museum. Search out the 'Big Five' during an open-air safari game drive. Visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Travel the lush Garden Route between the mountains and the balmy Indian Ocean. Visit a working ostrich farm. Indulge in a wine tasting and lunch at a local vineyard in the winelands region. Relax during a leisurely stay in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

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Tour Operator

Collette

Offer

Offer valid through 9/30/2017

Duration

12 Days

Day

Destination

Description

Day 1

Sandton

Overnight Flight: One country with a world of treasures, South Africa awaits your arrival. Breathtaking mountain scenery, winding coastlines, remarkable cultural diversity and abundant wildlife in its natural habitat comprise this incredible experience.

Day 2

Sandton

Sandton, South Africa - Tour Begins: Your journey begins in Sandton, a city established in 1969. Famous for its rich veins of gold and other valuable minerals, it is now the bustling cosmopolitan center of greater Johannesburg.

Day 3

Sandton

Sandton - Soweto - Sandton: Today you visit the Apartheid Museum which commemorates the rise and fall of apartheid in South Africa. A guided tour of Soweto - South West Township - showcases luxurious mansions and informal settlements as you learn about the historical significance of the area. Experience the regional lifestyle when joining locals for lunch at a nearby Shebeen, or house tavern. This afternoon, have some time to ponder history at Liliesleaf, the location of Nelson Mandela's arrest and the former center and place of refuge of the liberation movement. Gather this evening with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Day 4

Sandton

Panoramic Route - Kruger National Park: Travel through the spectacular Northern Drakensberg Mountain Range en route to Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. Scenic wonders surround you as you pass through the Blyde River Canyon, made mostly of red sandstone and known as one of Africa's greatest natural wonders. Set against the triple mountain formation of the Three Rondovals, resembling traditional round houses of the indigenous people, the canyon is the third largest in the world. Along this magnificent route you will also see Bourke's Luck Potholes, the dramatic natural cylinders shaped by millions of years of natural erosion caused by fast-flowing sand-filled waters. This evening, enjoy a traditional Boma dinner under the stars where you may sample some local game meat!

Day 5

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park - Safari Game Drive: Have your camera ready for an unforgettable day of adventure and excitement! Enjoy a full day open-air-vehicle safari game drive. A local expert leads you in search of the "Big 5" - elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino - and provides insight into these fascinating animals along the way. Watch carefully - you may also see a graceful impala, dazzling zebra or gorgeous giraffe. Relax with a picnic lunch surrounded by giraffe in the natural beauty of Kruger National Park.

Day 6

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park - Johannesburg - George - Knysna: Travel back to Johannesburg to board your flight to George. Upon arrival, travel to the picturesque resort town of Knysna, in the heart of the Garden Route, to enjoy a 3-night stay.

Day 7

Knysna

Knysna: Today we visit nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve. Begin with a lagoon cruise out to the famous Knysna Heads which mark the entrance to the lagoon. Next, board a 4x4 vehicle and travel deep into the forest. Discover the local flora and fauna during a leisurely paced nature walk. Enjoy lunch amongst the ancient milkwood trees - so called because of their white latex sap - before your return cruise. This afternoon, visit Plettenberg Bay, a tranquil and charming town originally known as 'Bahia Formosa' (or 'Beautiful Bay.') Enjoy views of beaches, dramatic rock formations and lagoons. Later you return to Knysna.

Day 8

Knysna

Knysna - Oudtshoorn - Knysna: This morning's township tour will highlight the diversity of this community, followed by a touching experience as you visit a school.* Learn about the efforts of the Collette Foundation and the local community to conquer the challenges of educating the children of the region. Travel to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of South Africa. Enjoy a guided tour of one of the oldest working ostrich farms in the area, after which you can catch a glimpse of ostriches big and small while on a tractor safari through the Lucerne fields. An outdoor barbecue lunch adds to an amazing day. Upon your return to Knysna, enjoy some time to independently explore the charming waterfront area.

Day 9

Knysna

Knysna - Cape Town: Before leaving the Garden Route, enjoy a visit to the Aloe Ferox region where you will enjoy an aloe-tapping demonstration and a stroll in the indigenous gardens. Later this afternoon, arrive in the beautiful harborside city of Cape Town.

Cape Town: Enjoy a panoramic tour of this lovely city. Cape Town celebrates its noted architecture that fuses the traditions of the French, German and Dutch. Enjoy a thrilling ride on a cable car as it whisks you to an altitude of more than 3,000 feet, landing atop the aptly named - and flat-topped - Table Mountain.** The views of Cape Town, Robben Island and Lion's Head will leave you breathless. Return to the city via Table Bay, passing through the Malay Quarter with its mosques and minarets. Make a special stop at the Milnerton Lighthouse.

Cape Town - Franschhoek - Cape Town: Journey to the beautiful winelands region, known for its colorful mountains and endless vineyards. Visit a local winery for a wine tasting, followed by lunch overlooking the vineyards. After lunch, it's your choice! Take a tour of the wine cellar and learn about the different vintages and blends created at the winery. Or, embark on a scenic walk through the winelands along the Franschhoek River.

Cape Town: Explore the coastal scenery and charming towns that populate the Cape Peninsula. Travel out to Cape Point, stopping for a visit with the penguins at Boulders Beach. This evening, experience a unique farewell to Africa as you enjoy a lesson on the djembe drums and a soothing hand washing ceremony before a communal African dining experience!

* NOTE:Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies. Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.

Tours

South Africa's cosmopolitan cities, posh resorts, expansive desert, magnificent wildlife and fertile wine country combine with a harmonious mix of many cultures to create a beautiful mosaic to discover on this fascinating tour.